Cancer of the esophagus

The cancers of the esophagus develop from cells of the esophageal mucosa. Each year in Europe, three in 100,000 people are affected by a esophageal cancer.

The cancers of the esophagus The most common are represented by squamous cell carcinoma (90% of cases) and adenocarcinoma. The former are often related to the Alcohol and tobacco, while the second, lower in theesophagusAre often associated with lesions of theesophagus and secondary to gastro-esophageal reflux (heartburn with ski acids).
 

What are the factors risk of esophageal cancer ?

- Men are more affected than women by cancers of the esophagus.

- Adenocarcinoma is more common among Caucasians, while squamous cell carcinoma is more common in black subjects.

- The cancers of the esophagus more relevant to people over 50 years.

- Tobacco and alcohol are risk factors major cancers of the esophagus.

- The history of infection with HPV.

- The history of cancer of the head or neck, and the radiation of adjacent organs of the esophagus.

- Esophageal lesions (eg achalasia).

- A narrowing of theesophagus due to caustic burns (ingestion of caustic substances).

- A gastro-esophageal reflux, causing a prolonged irritation by stomach acid causes Barrett's esophagitis.

- Occupational exposure to asbestos.

- Dietary factors might also be involved, as the absorption of certain toxins or consumption of hot drinks (tea, coffee ...).

- Finally, a deficiency in vitamin A (beta carotene) is also suspected.